Simon Boccanegra is assuredly the most endearing father and barytone of the Maestro’s entire works. The relationship with his daughter is gentle and affectionate. He tries to avoid all conflicts and a deadly war with Venice. When betrayed and poisoned, he remains dignified and displays great nobility of character. Verdi was fond of this unique character, a political tool in spite of himself, extolling Italian unity and demonstrating extraordinary humanist goodwill. With Italy unified twenty years previously and the composer, ten years into his retirement, having become a national treasure, it was time, before thinking about reacquainting himself with Shakespeare and his Otello, to restore the prestige to an unloved work and to make it the last symbol of Risorgimento whilst amplifying the psychological and political stature of a great man.